February 7, 2013
The parents of an out-of-state police officer, who was killed in the line of duty, are donating a police K-9 to the Cape Coral Police Department, according to officials.
Cape residents Rick and Debbie Burnfield’s son, Nathan, was an officer with the South Strabane Township Police Department in Washington, Pa. He was killed in the line of duty on Nov. 4, 2008.
Burnfield had aspirations of being a K-9 officer but died before he could reach his goal.
In April 2011, the Burnfields contacted CCPD Sgt. Dave McConnell, who supervises the K-9 Unit. The Burnfields said they wanted to do something for the unit on behalf of their son. They donated two ballistic vests, which ensured that all six K-9s had the protection they needed to perform their duties safely.
The Burnfields and the Cape police department continued to share a strong bond.
The couple recently contacted the CCPD and expressed their desire to donate a new K-9 to the department and ame him “Nate” in honor of their son. The ceremonial presentation will take place at the Cape Coral City Council meeting at 4:30 p.m. Monday in council chambers.
“Officer Burnfield made the ultimate sacrifice for his community. This tragedy has brought Debbie and Rick into the Cape Coral Police Department family two years ago,” Lt. Tony Sizemore, spokesman for the CCPD, said. “We are so thankful for their continued generosity and we are proud to honor Nathan in this way. The Burnfields will forever be part of the Cape Coral Police Department family.”